But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved[.] Ephesians 2:4-5
I continue my pause of a deep dive of Isaiah, based on the Precept Upon Precept study series, to study Ephesians for 3 days per week as I participate in a Discipleship (D) Group that is part of my church. This morning, I maintain a focus on Ephesians 2 as I review the following videos - Ephesians 2:1-3 - Part II and Part III - from DesiringGod.com. Part II focuses on our pre-conversion spiritual condition - "dead" as v1 indicates. Piper wants all believers, regardless of when and how we came to faith, and how we may recall our pre-conversion life, to fully appreciate that ALL of us were spiritually dead. Yes there is activity and non-believers may indicate that what the world defines as life exists, but this life is a hopeless condition that leads to eternal damnation (sons of disobedience, children of wrath - v2-3). Piper elaborates - using 2 Corinthians 4:4, and Ephesians 4:17-18 - how even very smart unbelievers are "spiritually blinded", in darkness, and how their hearts are hardened to seeing the glory of God in the gospel. Part III builds on Part II to further define our pre-conversion spiritual condition of "deadness." He reminds us - using Romans 3:23, 1 Kings 8:46, Psalm 143:2, and 1 John 1:8 - that not a single person amongst all of humanity is without sin. He then uses Ephesians 5:6-8 (darkness), Ezekiel 36:26 (hardened heart), and Romans 8:5-9 (unable to submit to God), 1 Corinthians 2:14 (unable to accept nor understand gospel) to elaborate and further detail our "deadness" before and without Christ. Clear applications this morning are for believers to be humble and recognize God's amazing grace, for without Christ we would all continue to walk in darkness - not a life any of us wants.
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My Prayer: Jesus, what an amazing God You are that You saved me from my spiritual deadness! Thank You Jesus - what amazing grace this is! Of course, I am not deserving of such love and grace. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Gossip, etc. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
